Christianity and Secularism

Deism

Tradition in Christianity that emphasizes natural religion with a non-intervening God

Secularism

conduct of human affairs without involving religion

Atheism

the opinion of those who deny the existence of God in this world

French Revolution

period of social upheaval in France from 1789-1799

Cult of Reason

state-sponsored atheist religion during the French Revolution that aimed at the perfection of mankind

Natural Law

theory that inherent laws can be derived from nature and universal moral principles

First Amendment

constitutional right of freedom of religion

Establishment Clause

Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of any specific religion

Free Exercise Clause

allows free exercise of any religion

Liberal Theology

Belief in God rooted in feeling rather than reason

Ultramontanism

papal authority, i.e. from Rome, belief in political authority of the pope

Papal infallibility

when the Pop is speaking in his official capacity, it’s consistent with doctrine

Papal Encylcical

formal letter issued by the Pope that addresses matters of faith, morals, or church discipline

Rerum Novarum (1893)

encyclical issues by Leo XII, foundational text of Catholic social teaching, responded to new demands of new political conflict between socialism and capitalism

Political religion

theory that political movements function as secularized religions

Historical criticism\

examines texts within their historical context to uncover their meanings, authorship, and the influences that shaped them.